Lance Armstrong set to announce new American sponsor for his team

Armstrong finds new sponsor for his team

BOURG-SAINT-MAURICE, France — Lance Armstrong says he’s found a new American sponsor to back his team next year.

The seven-time Tour de France champion said on his Twitter feed Tuesday: “Making a very cool announcement on Thursday re: a new American partner for our team in 2010 (and beyond). Stay tuned!”

Armstrong returned to competition this year after 3½ years of retirement and has previously hinted he could ride for another season — including a return to the Tour.

Armstrong told The Associated Press by phone after Tuesday’s 16th stage that there is a “good chance” he will ride next year in the peloton. He refused to elaborate on whether he will stay with the Kazakh-funded Astana team or launch his own squad.